Remember the Maine

Thomas Ainsworth

Remember the Maine is a classic, boozy cocktail with deep roots in American history. It's a bold and flavorful variation of the Manhattan, enriched with cherry liqueur and a whisper of absinthe. First documented in Charles H. Baker’s Gentleman’s Companion (1939), this drink pays homage to the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor—an event that helped spark the Spanish-American War.

The cocktail is smooth, rich, and slightly smoky, with rye whiskey providing a spicy backbone, complemented by the warmth of sweet vermouth and the subtle, herbal complexity of absinthe. It’s the perfect drink for those who appreciate a Manhattan but crave a bit more intrigue.

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings cocktail

Calories 216 kcal

Equipment

Mixing glass
Bar spoon
Strainer
Chilled coupe glass

Ingredients

2 oz Rye Whiskey a high-proof rye works best for spice and depth
0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth a rich, full-bodied vermouth such as Carpano Antica
0.5 oz Cherry Heering a deep, slightly smoky cherry liqueur
1 dash Absinthe use just enough to coat the glass or a single dash in the mix
2 dashes Angostura Bitters adds complexity and spice

Instructions

Chill a coupe or Nick and Nora glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water while preparing the cocktail.
In a mixing glass, combine the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Cherry Heering, and Angostura bitters.
Fill the mixing glass with ice, then stir with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds until well chilled and diluted.
Discard the ice water from the coupe glass (if using that method) and lightly rinse it with a dash of absinthe, rolling the liquid around to coat the glass before discarding the excess.
Strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared coupe glass.
Garnish with a brandied cherry or a twist of orange peel, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.

Notes

Chef’s Tips:

For a deeper cherry note, you can swap Cherry Heering for a homemade cherry liqueur.
Try using a smoked absinthe rinse for an extra layer of complexity.
Serve immediately once poured to enjoy its optimal chill and aroma.

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 6gPotassium: 1mgSugar: 5gIron: 0.01mg

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